Following on from their much-loved self-titled debut EP in 2021, New Jersey-based outfit Pocket Gum are back on the grind once again to deliver their vibrant comeback single 'Wasted'.
Coming at 78 seconds in length, 'Wasted' makes for a short yet sharp return for the four-piece. Brimming with broad and emotive indie-rock textures, a shimmering atmosphere, and stellar hooks layered throughout, they are returning to us with one of their more impactful efforts to date here.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Josh: Guitar would have been the first I fell in love with. Not only was it the most aesthetically appealing instrument but it held power.
Ryan: Bass would be the first instrument I fell in love with. I was always drawn to the bass lines in songs I listened to and gravitated towards the bass players in my favourite bands.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Josh: I was lucky to have a great musical upbringing. My mom shared her love of the 70s and 80s. My first musical memories came from Zeppelin, Sabbath, Queen, U2, Billy Idol, Madonna, Def Leppard and so many others. I started to come into my own with Green Day, Blink-182 and Fall Out Boy, which inspired me to play guitar, learning all the “pop-punk” I could figure out. As I got older, and came to college, I was exposed to more underground artists and familiarising myself with more independent talent.
Ryan: When I was younger my parents listened to a lot of Elton John, Barry White, and Bruce Springsteen. When I started to find music on my own I listened to a lot of Blink 182 and Sum 41 and other bands of that nature but as I got older I got into Nirvana and a lot of 90s bands.
What was the first album you remember owning?
Josh: I was given many albums growing up that were formidable but I remember buying 3 physical CD’s in cash, which sounds so outdated. I travelled abroad to the UK when I was 14 as I had family there and in some mall in Milton Keynes I bought Linkin Park’s Meteora, Fall Out Boy’s Take This to Your Grave, and A Day To Remember’s Homesick.
Ryan: The first album I can remember buying was probably Does This Look Infected by Sum 41 or the Untitled album by Blink-182.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Josh: Tough question. Amazing grace? It’s moving and powerful with a timeless melody. Most rock and roll wouldn’t be here if it weren't for gospel so that’s where I would start.
Ryan: It would probably be Nirvana’s Drain You, It’s just one of those songs I fell in love with immediately.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Josh: Things usually come and float around my head constantly until I have no choice but to get them out. I just sit down with my acoustic guitar and try to flesh out the melodies and cadence and then bring them to life with Ryan’s bass lines. We work on the arrangement together until the song flows well and emotes what it needs to.
Ryan: No particular ritual or habits really; it always happens in our basement though. When a new idea starts to come together we work on it down there.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Josh: At Rutgers University, New Brunswick, we have a great radio station called 90.3 The Core that consistently plays great music. I love listening to their station and catching some eargasms. I always listen to my favorite artists and can find myself stuck in those listening patterns whether it’s Steely Dan, or the Dead, or Turnover. Lately, bands like Origami Angel, Jessica Pratt, and Flycatcher have been exciting to listen to.
Ryan: At the moment I've found myself listening to Mage Tears and Lots of Hands but I'm always going back and listening to bands I have for years like Duster, Mogwai, or Algernon Cadwallader.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Josh: Billie Eillish.
Ryan: Built to Spill
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Josh: Seeing a song to completion and working through it. Each song is special, and deserves due diligence. Some are easy and come together in five minutes, but when a song truly sounds the way it’s imagined is the greatest reward. Having the music resonate with your audience is also a plus.
Ryan: Having a creative way to express yourself. Just having that outlet is pretty important for me.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Josh: This lifestyle isn’t glamorous or rewarding at an indie level. The process and the struggle can be monotonous and frustrating at times. You need to really believe in yourself and possess the want to persevere in order to succeed.
Ryan: The grind can definitely be frustrating. It takes a lot to try and make it happen but it takes a lot of time and patience.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Josh: It may sound cliche but I was told to “always keep the ball rolling”. It’s important to believe in your cause and remain consistent. Most artists don’t make it because they stop trying. Another piece of advice I will never forget came from an “old head” that I met at a DIY show…
Always show up on time, and in tune.
Always carry a handkerchief.
Hoot with the owls (at night) but also soar with the eagles (in the morning).
Ryan: Be persistent, practice at a lower volume.
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Pocket Gum's new single 'Wasted' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.